On 13 July 2015, more than one thousand school girls, teachers, community Leaders as well representatives from UNAMID and the Ministry of Education, North Darfur, gathered at the Al Taiba Secondary School for Girls in the Abu Shouk camp for the displaced near El Fasher, North Darfur, to celebrate the Nelson Mandela Day.

This year’s theme, “Take action, Inspire change”, highlights the importance of working together to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world.

The occasion, annually observed on 18 July, is designed to commemorate the 67 years Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service and making a difference to the world.

To mark the day, UNAMID peacekeepers conducted a tree planting ceremony and 67 minutes of community service by cleaning the school premises. Additionally, UNAMID’s Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Abdul Kamara, read out the United Nations Secretary General’s message on the day.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, North Darfur, Abdelrahman Yahyia expressed his appreciation for UNAMID’s support to education in Darfur. Other speakers in the occasion included the headmaster of Al Taiba Secondary School, who thanked the Mission for its assistance.

This year, the United Nations is bestowing the first ever Nelson Mandela prize, established by the General Assembly.This honorary award will be presented every years to two individuals—a man and a woman—who through their dedication, hard work and compassion have built on Mr. Mandela’s legacy.